Diploma MSc is a leading provider of online Diabetes courses. Working in conjunction with the University of South Wales, Diploma MSc offer 1 year part time Diabetes Diploma courses and Diabetes MSc courses that can be completed entirely online.
With a team of over 40 expert course tutors we deliver online Diabetes courses to the highest standard and at affordable prices.
Studying with Diploma MSc allows you to advance your career in Diabetes in your own time with 24/7 access through our online portal. The Diabetes Diploma course is for individuals who wish to have a greater understanding of the care of people with Diabetes, particularly General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Diabetes Specialist Nurses, Podiatrists, Pharmacists, Dieticians and Pharmaceutical Representatives.
Postgraduate Diploma
Health professionals working within a clinical setting, both UK and overseas, with a related Healthcare Science degree (including international qualifications) are eligible to apply for the PG Diploma course.
Applicants should submit copies of the following with their application:
qualification certificates
one written reference
English language qualification (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) please see University of South Wales for further details
MSc
Health professionals, both UK and overseas, wishing to further their education who have previously completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes from the University of South Wales are eligible to apply for this MSc Diabetes course online.
Applicants can also apply for our MSc qualification as a two-year course (undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma in their first year).
Applicants can also enter the MSc programmes if they have completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Diabetes from another UK University, having successfully acquired 120 M level Credits.
Applicants should submit copies of the following with their application:
qualification certificates
one written reference
Our Diploma in Diabetes course is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and has been recognised by the International Diabetes Federation.
The online diabetes course is designed to be practical and clinically focused. On completion of the online Diploma in Diabetes, students have:
- a greater understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to the care of people with Diabetes.
- experience of developing local guidelines, patient information literature or care pathways which will be part of their individual and group activities.
- a greater confidence and understanding of the management of people with Diabetes through case studies and discussion.
- improved critical analysis of published data and data interpretation.
- applicants will typically be health professionals who have a day to day exposure to people with Diabetes. They may be part of a team which delivers care, a leader of that team or an individual who treats people with Diabetes.
The Diabetes Diploma course is designed to be relevant to all health professionals who might manage people with Diabetes and is particularly relevant to:
General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Diabetes Specialist Nurses, Podiatrists, Pharmacists, Dieticians and Pharmaceutical Representatives
The postgraduate Diabetes Diploma course is based on the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Curriculum for Diabetes health professional education. The online course lasts one calendar year and is a part time distance learning course. It consists of 6 modules per year, each of 6 weeks duration.
Module 1 - Principles of Diabetes
Module 2 - Approaches to Care
Module 3 - Promoting Self Care
Module 4 - Management of Diabetes
Module 5 - Complications (microvascular)
Module 6 - Complications (macrovascular)
Assessment
Each of the 6 modules has the same assessment format. Due to the online nature of the course, students are expected to login and participate in the course regularly throughout the module (ideally on a daily basis).
Students are split into groups of 10-15 students and are assigned a dedicated expert tutor who:
Facilitates clinical case discussions with the group.
Monitors, assesses and marks each student throughout the module.
Students use the skills gained during the lectures to engage with the different activities (see below).
Clinical case scenarios with case based discussion - 40%
Individual learning portfolio - 10%
Group/individual activity - 20%
Case based examination - 30%
Teaching Methods
The lecture series are delivered by the faculty and tutors, they are a pre-course organiser, giving students the tools required to undertake the online course such as:
Scientific writing.
Levels of evidence.
Harvard referencing.
Reflective writing.
The lectures series give an opportunity to meet face to face with tutors/other students prior to the online course.
Students are not required to attend the lectures, however those who do benefit as they get a "jump start" to the course. Students who are not able to attend, should request a skype/telephone call to orientate them onto the course and are advised to review the lecture slides.
This Diabetes MSc course is accredited by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and has been recognised by the International Diabetes Federation.
The Diabetes MSc course provides a progression route for the Postgraduate Diabetes Diploma course offered by the University.
The MSc in Diabetes runs over 1 calendar year. Students undertake an initial 12 week online module to develop their skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies.
Module 1 - Research Methodologies and Critical Appraisal (compulsory module)
Module 2 - Professional Project or Independent Prescribing Module
Teaching Methods
Students are expected in the first 8 weeks to interact with their tutor on a weekly basis. Students select a specific project and submit a project summary/proposal (approximately 1500 words).
Once the proposal has been approved, the professional project (10,500 words) itself is then completed through online guidance and supervision offered by the tutor. The student and tutor will interact regularly (weekly) on the dedicated students/tutor discussion area or through any other means of communication deemed appropriate by both parties (telephone/SKYPE/email). Note of any verbal communication with the tutor is recorded in the student's journal by the student.
The Diabetes Practice (distance learning) course is designed for Health Care Professionals that work in a variety of settings and roles. The Diabetes Practice programme is a flexible distance learning programme structured to fit around working life and will advance your knowledge, clinical skills and experience to improve diabetes care.
Our multidisciplinary curriculum in the Diabetes Practice programme will combine distance learning with practical skills delivered in two 5-day residential workshops. You will undertake either a dissertation or a work-based portfolio to evaluate and reflect on knowledge gained within a professional work environment in diabetes practice.
The Diabetes Practice programme will provide fundamental and advanced knowledge in clinical skill, experience and professional behaviour, addressing knowledge gaps in diabetes practice in order to meet the health and care needs of people with diabetes.
During each year, as a student on the Diabetes Practice course, you will be required to study 60 credits, in the form of two distance learning modules and one residential module. In addition, a 60 credit dissertation or workplace portfolio can be completed throughout the two year programme. Exit qualifications for the Diabetes Practice programme are also available at PGCert and PGDip level. Both residential modules are also available as CPD short course modules.
Ensuring the Diabetes Practice course is reflective of educational and practice requirements, module contents include;
Additionally, if students have completed a Non-medical prescribing course credits, they can be included via AP(e)L.
Modules on the Diabetes Practice (distance learning) programme include:
In 2011, the International Diabetes Federation brought together world experts to develop the first ever Global Diabetes Plan 2011-2021 (Global Diabetes Plan 2011-2021) which sets out the evidence, cost effective solutions and tools for managing the global issue of diabetes in a coherent framework for action. The key strategy of The Global Diabetes Plan is to implement National Diabetes Programmes, defined as:
“a systematic and coordinated approach to improving the organisation, accessibility and quality of diabetes prevention and care"
Several landmark studies have demonstrated that, through a comprehensive package of treatment and support, the complications of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can be prevented or significantly delayed, enabling people with diabetes to live longer and healthier lives (Global Diabetes Plan 2011-2021). The sheer complexity of diabetic disease presents a need for integrated care provision at all stages of the patients journey.
The postgraduate certificate/ diploma/ MSc in Lower Limb Preservation in Diabetes aims to meet, in part, the key strategy of the Global Diabetes Plan by the provision of an international educational programme that takes an integrated approach to the management of diabetic disease and its effects in the lower limb.
Nationally/internationally there are a number of courses/residency programmes offering advanced learning in the field of patients with at risk lower limbs predominantly suffering from diabetes. All of these have merit but lack academic foundation or approval in the realms of infection, revascularisation, surgical management and optimisation of outcome for those patients at risk and who may ultimately face amputation.
The Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma/MSc programme in Lower Limb Preservation in Diabetes is open to all those who practise or wish to progress their knowledge in Diabetes, Limb Preservation and related areas. The course is designed for, but not limited to: specialist podiatrists, nurses, medical, surgical and healthcare professionals. is targeted at those currently working in or with aspirations to gain education and/or employment in the field of diabetes and limb preservation and is rooted in regional, national and international drivers towards integrated Diabetes care. The programme is multidisciplinary and multi-professional, with rich and challenging content and sound educational process. Delivery of the programme is offered entirely online, maximising a learning approach that fully embraces the opportunity for international practitioner engagement.
The educational programme aims to offer the student the opportunity to develop evidence based theoretical concepts of limb preservation transferable to professional practice, informed by a critical knowledge and understanding of integrative care requirements for those patients “at-risk” due to diabetes; who are in danger of primary amputation (patients with diabetes, end-stage renal disease and/ or peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease), and for those who have already suffered an amputation and are at risk of moving toward a second amputation, or have unacceptable dysfunction.
Students are expected to engage with all online classes/sessions associated with the programme and be punctual and regular in attendance.
A student who has not been in attendance for more than three days through illness or other cause must notify immediately the Course Director. The student shall state the reasons for the absence and whether it is likely to be prolonged. Where the absence is for a period of more than five working days, and is caused by illness which may affect their studies, the student shall provide appropriate medical certification in accordance with the General Regulations for Students.
Students who are absent without good cause for a substantial proportion of online classes/ sessions may be required to discontinue studies, in accordance with the General Regulations for Students.
For distance learning students, communication with e-mentors and course directors should be frequent and will be monitored through the record of student logins to the course website. If a student fails to logon to Blackboard or to contact staff for a maximum period of one week, the module coordinator will note the student’s absence and direct contact will then be made with the student either by e-mail or by telephone. The student should notify the Course Director of any reasons as to their absence and if the reason for absence is medical, should provide appropriate medical certification in accordance with the General Regulations for Students.
There is no formalised placement associated with the programme, however, it is expected that there will be requirement to undertake some practice experience in the workplace. Students are likely to be in full time employment within a health, social or educational setting, for some or all of the period of the programme.
The Postgraduate Certificate/ Diploma/ MSc programme in Lower Limb Preservation is designed for, but not limited to: specialist podiatrists, nurses, medical, surgical and healthcare professionals and is targeted at those currently working in or with aspirations to gain further education and / or employment in the field of diabetes and limb preservation.
This course aims to provide a balance between theoretical and clinical skills and develop participants’ levels of critical enquiry so you can deliver high quality evidence-based care to people with diabetes.
It will also encourage critical thinking through participation in the simulation laboratory, group discussion and presentation.
It will, through an understanding of research methods, encourage the analysis of cutting-edge diabetes research data to develop standards and guidelines for best practice.
The course will develop an enhanced understanding of contemporary approach to diabetes care.
In the UK as elsewhere in the world, the prevalence of diabetes has, according to the WHO and the IDF, reached epidemic proportion and projected to peak to 552 million by the year 2030. A person with diabetes potentially faces a reduced life expectancy of between 6-20 years. The irreversible micro-vascular complications resulting in damage to the eyes (retinopathy), the kidneys (nephropathy), the nerves (neuropathy) and macro-vascular complications namely cardio-vascular diseases (heart attacks and stroke) and insufficiency in blood flow to the legs lead are associated with considerable human, social, and economic costs, and accounts for 10% of the total health care resource expenditure in the UK.
This relentless diabetic epidemic means that its management is becoming a significant healthcare challenge in the UK and as it is worldwide. It is therefore imperative that health care professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver high quality evidence-based care and to empower people with diabetes to self-management.
The MSc in Diabetes Care will enable you to:
This course has both full-time and part-time routes, comprising of four 16-week semesters which you can take within one or three years, allowing you to exit with one of the following awards:
Full-time
Postgraduate Certificate: two modules
Postgraduate Diploma: four modules
Masters: four modules plus a dissertation over one year
Part-time
Postgraduate Certificate: two modules
Postgraduate Diploma: four modules
Masters: four modules plus a dissertation over 3 years
Teaching will take a blended format comprising of lectures, tutorials, group discussion, presentation and peer group critiques. Evaluation and debate will be ongoing during the process of information gathering, the testing of theoretical and practical ideas and the honing of all elements towards the end product.
You will be assessed through:
Health care practitioners who graduate from this course would be employed in practice, management, education and research arenas in the UK and overseas.
Evidence suggests that there is an urgent need to match the ratio of Diabetes Specialist Nurses (DSN) to the number of people with diabetes they care for. DSN can be employed in various sectors of the health service both in the UK and overseas while others can potentially progress into research. Others may choose to go into academia working as lecturers or lecturer-practitioners or diabetes nurse consultants.
This course will suit you if you want to acquire a systematic understanding of the necessary knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver high quality evidence-based care to people with diabetes, or if you wish to update your skill for a different but diabetes-related career pathway.
Graduates from this course can potentially apply for such promotional posts as Diabetes Specialist Nurse or Nurse Consultant in Diabetes or Divisional Nurse for Long Term Conditions.
Guest speakers from the clinical areas will provide input in to specific modules. The practical experience to be gained from the simulation laboratory will make a valuable contribution to the course content and will bring a real world perspective to the academic delivery of the modules. These guest lectures will allow course participants to mix with professionals from the diabetes clinical settings and to make connections with them particularly when undertaking research project.
Research in the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Social Sciences is coordinated by Professor Nick Hardiker, Associate Head for Research. There is a pool of fully research-active academic staff and a number of embryonic and early career researchers engaged in a range of innovative and creative projects and in advancing the boundaries of theoretical investigation. Graduates from this course can consider pursuing a Doctorate course of study such as Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Work or the traditional doctoral course.
Find more information about research within the School of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Social Sciences.
Diabetes is on the rise worldwide. Healthcare professionals with expertise in diabetes care are in high demand. The work is challenging but rewarding, and the field needs talented professionals with a real commitment to the common good.
GCU’s MSc Diabetes Care and Management will prepare you to advance your career with confidence – and help people in your community enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives.
The MSc Diabetes Care and Management is multidisciplinary, bringing together key insights from multiple fields. You'll learn about best practices in diabetes care and management from a broad range of perspectives.
Hands-on research is an essential part of the programme. You’ll join a team of hard-working healthcare professionals exploring important questions in diabetes research.
What kind of research?
Keeping the programme career-focused, our top six students undertake a short clinical attachment at a local hospital. This opportunity helps them solidify their skills and make a positive impact on patients in a real-world setting.
Diabetes Care: A Multi Professional Approach; Pathophysiology and Therapeutics of Diabetes; The Lower Limb and Foot in Diabetes – Evaluation of Risk; Skills for Professional Practice for Health Sciences; Chronic Complications of Diabetes; Nutrition and Lifestyle Management of Diabetes; Supporting Anticipatory Care for Long Term Conditions Management (Diabetes); Reflective Work-based Practice; and Project/Dissertation.
It is possible to undertake Diabetes Care: A Multi Professional Approach, as a stand alone CPD certificate and gain credits towards a future Masters level degree.
We use a wide range of learning and teaching methods to ensure that you have both the necessary knowledge and understanding of business and management and a portfolio of intellectual and personal skills.
Each module on the programme uses its own learning, teaching and assessment strategy to achieve learning objectives. Assessment methods vary between modules and may include unseen examinations, class tests, essays, management reports, case studies, presentations, and group work.
The learning and teaching methods we use ensure that our programme is both vocationally relevant and academically challenging. Our approach is student-centred, practical, participative and relevant to the needs of employers.
We've moved away from the traditional teacher-centric learning to a more independent learning approach, where you are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills.
Our graduates go on to do good work in general practice, hospitals and industry. Some choose to study for the UK General Medical Council exams (PLAB 1 and 2) and go on to work in the NHS.
Healthcare research consistently concludes there is a recognised need for specialist diabetes care both in the UK and internationally. The UK alone faces a significant increase in the number of people with diabetes with over 700 new cases diagnosed each day and, by 2030, the World Health Organization predicts diabetes will be the seventh leading cause of death globally, with the majority occurring in low and middle-income countries. Our MSc Diabetes Best Practice provides leading expertise from internationally respected staff across the University, and is designed to equip workforces and individuals with the skills and knowledge to meet future diabetes healthcare demands in the UK and beyond.
A bursary is still available for study starting in Sept 2017. Information can be found on our Money matters webpage.
What does our MSc provide?
You will be enabled to support adults and young people more effectively; develop and improve your healthcare provision through passing on expertise; and develop scientific understanding, clinical knowledge, practical skills and critical thinking qualities.
Who should study?
Our Masters is suitable for healthcare professionals across the healthcare sectors and others, both clinical and non-clinical; who wish to develop skills in the diagnosis, treatment, psychology and management of diabetes.
Flexible learning
Our flexible part-time or full-time modular programme caters for a diverse range of students and organisations, enabling study to be undertaken alongside other commitments. We also offer stand-alone modules (see each module webpage for further details), a Postgraduate Certificate and a Postgraduate Diploma Diabetes Best Practice.
Our MSc Diabetes Best Practice degree is designed to equip workforces and individuals with the skills and knowledge to meet future diabetes healthcare demands in the UK and internationally. This comprehensive programme provides broad training in the skills required to understand and manage people with diabetes, helping them achieve optimal self-management and psychological well-being. Aligned to Diabetes UK best practice and World Health Organization recommendations, our masters course will develop your scientific understanding, clinical knowledge, practical skills and critical thinking qualities.
Our comprehensive programme provides broad training in the skills required to understand and manage people with diabetes, helping them achieve optimal self-management and psychological well-being.
Tailored content
Course content can be tailored to best meet individual career aspirations and organisational needs, allowing you to plan your specific programme route at the start of your studies with us, and providing an opportunity to gain important skills for meeting current best practice guidelines.
Modules
Our core modules are the Foundations of Diabetes, Clinical Research Skills and a 6,000 word Dissertation. We also offer a wide choice of optional modules and, in addition to the diabetes modules on offer, students are also able to take a module from around the University (please see the Modules tab for a full list).
Research training
All MSc students receive training in research skills and statistics in preparation for their dissertation in the form of our core Clinical Research Skills module.
Teaching
To help you develop the required skills you will be exposed to a variety of teaching and learning methods including seminars, tutorials, discussions, problem-solving activities and formal lectures. You will also be able to access our unique online educational and multimedia learning resources.
Our teaching methods also help enhance your written and oral presentation skills, giving you the opportunity to develop your transferable skills.
Each of our modules involves discussion of key issues; practice in applying concepts, both orally and in writing, including analysis and interpretation of material; and feedback on work produced.
By studying this programme you will
Visit the programme specification document for this course
Key facts
The part-time PgCert in Diabetes provides an in-depth understanding of core principles underlying the scientific basis of diabetes and diabesity in clinical practice, covering key aspects in the cellular and biochemical events in insulin secretion and action, pharmacology of diabetes therapies and the clinical diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of this major chronic metabolic condition. The part-time PgCert in Diabetes will be taken over two academic semesters with students taking one 30-credit point module per semester over one academic year. In semester one, students will study the specialist diabetes module Diabetes: Science and Therapeutics (30 credit points). This will be followed by the module Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Science (30 credit points) in semester two. Following successful completion of both modules (60 credits) the student will exit with a Postgraduate Certificate in Diabetes.
Part-time, fully online.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand.
Diabetes: Science and Therapeutics
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific background to diabetes and diabesity. It covers all the major areas of current scientific knowledge including mechanisms of insulin secretion, diabetes pathophysiology, clinical diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. It is designed to equip student with skills to critically evaluate current scientific literature describing diabetes and diabesity physiology, pathobiology and therapeutic advances and care.
Evidence-Based Practice in Healthcare Sciences
A work-based module where students review, after consultation with their line manager, an aspect of their professional practice identifying evidence to support their recommendations, initiate the keeping of a professional reflective diary and submit a report of evidence to support their action research plan. Students currently not in employment will be given advice on suitable topics from the module co-ordinator.
The academic content of this programme will provide a new opportunity for students to specialise further in their own scientific field and will provide them with the confidence to compete for higher specialist post, as they arise in the Health Services and Industry.
